Loving Memories

The dear friends we've met at our events have taught us so much. Although they are no longer with us, we carry a portion of their legacy by following their advice in their absence. In this section of our website, we recognize the great seniors who have poured their hearts into supporting our volunteers. We also hope to inspire people to continue to love, even when it hurts, because love is greater than death.

In Loving Memory Of Cordelia A. Hancock Heretick

Across Generations knew Ms. Cordelia as an amazing service coordinator at McGurk House. We are very saddened to hear of her passing. Her passionate service, thoughtful kindness, and work ethic inspired us to work harder with our service events. Ms. Cordelia (Dell) was a great advocate for her friends at McGurk House. She connected Ms. Lorraine Stevens to affordable hospice resources, and organized spaghetti dinners (along with much more) at McGurk House. Her compassion touched our hearts and encourages us to continue spreading love to the elderly in Lynchburg.

In Loving Memory Of Cheryl Mae McGowan

Ms. Cheryl was one of the first seniors we met when we started our club at McGurk House in Fall 2022. She was a great encouragement to us and a vocal believer, sharing her experiences with God. 

In our Discussion Events, Ms. Cheryl recounted stories of housing women who were escaping their abusive husbands. Her resilience and strength came from her desire to protect other people. Through this ministry, she was able to spread the love of God to others.

Ms. Cheryl was close friends with another senior, Ms. Karen, who took care of Ms. Cheryl until she passed. Ms. Karen inspires us to love others with all our strength.

During our concerts, she was our loudest supporter, cheering on our players in their first music concert. Her enthusiasm fueled us forward, and made us into the club we are today. Even with her difficulty moving, she managed to bake our members amazing peanut butter cookies, which we thoroughly enjoyed.

Thank you, Ms. Cheryl, for everything we have learned from you. We will miss you, but will always keep you close in our hearts.

A Special Performance - In Loving Memory of Lorraine Stevens

Ms. Lorraine (Rainee) Stevens, a close friend and supporter of Across Generations, was a 89-year-old woman diagnosed with COPD. Despite her strong desire to join our performance, she was unable to make it due to her health conditions. Our members were enthusiastic at the opportunity to volunteer more time to visit Ms. Lorraine in her apartment and perform a few songs.

Ms. Lorraine Stevens by her apartment window.

Rachel Coyle, Sarah McConville, Marysol Grady, Gracie Chao, Sarah Ellis, Grace Ellis, Sam Vogan, Connor Grady, and Timothy Chao

Ms. Lorraine was incredibly pleased to see the lovely students in their formal attire. She talked weeks afterwards about how much she enjoyed her own personal concert. This was the last concert she attended before passing away in September of 2023. Across Generations continues to honor her memory as she is was an inspiration that kindled the start of our organization. Ms. Lorraine was a beautiful, honest woman with a compassionate heart for her friends and family.

Thank you, Ms. Lorraine Stevens. We love you and will carry the lessons we've learned from you for the rest of our lives. 

Even though lose loved ones, or experience pain because of them, we are reminded of the good times. We continue to serve seniors despite loss because love is greater than sorrow.

In Loving Memory of Howard O. Brown

Mr. Howard Brown, better known as "Bo" at McGurk House, would sit by the entrance of McGurk House each day with a watchful eye. Often chatting up the residents and visitors, Bo was a kind man with a lot of wisdom. Bo encouraged us to continue with our club, and though he did not make it to our events, he inspired us to have courage and pursue the greater things in life. Thank you, Mr. Bo, we will take these lessons with us wherever we go.